Footwear with interchangeable uppers

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a shoe having removable uppers. The shoe further includes a shoe base for supporting a foot, uppers for securing the foot to said shoe base, a left side wall and a right side wall of the shoe base, a left recess in at least one localized area of the left side wall, a right recess in at least one localized area of the right side wall, and at least one securing mechanism attached to each of the left and right recesses, each securing mechanism for removably securing the uppers to the shoe base. The recesses permit the uppers to be attached while simultaneously masking the fasteners.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a shoe having detachable uppers attached to a shoe base and, when attached, having a surface of the detachable uppers generally flush with a side wall of the shoe base.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Generally, shoes comprise of a shoe base for supporting a foot and uppers for securing the foot to the shoe base. Laces may be used to adjust the fit of the uppers around the foot. As shoes have improved over the years, so has their utility. Today, although shoes may generally be worn for most occasions, shoes are typically designed for specific purposes. Certain shoes are designated as work shoes, athletic shoes, or dress shoes. Normally, one would not wear work shoes to a formal occasion or dress shoes for participating in sporting events. Hence, shoes are by and large made for specific functions.

[0003] Because they are generally the most visible part of the shoe, the uppers play a large role as to the appearance and function of the shoe. For example, the uppers may substantially cover the foot from the ankle of the foot downwards, as in certain athletic shoes, or the uppers may merely be a plurality of straps, as in women's high heel shoes for parties or other social events. The uppers may further be of a variety of colors and materials, such as leather, canvas, vinyl, or plastic.

[0004] In addition, certain known shoes have been manufactured with removable uppers for varying the appearance of the shoe to accommodate a variety of occasions. For example, one may change the color of the uppers of a high heel to match a variety of clothing worn by a user. This enhances the utility of the shoe because the shoe can be worn with multiple clothing ensembles. Further, the uppers may also have varying geometric shapes in order to accommodate a variety of occasions. U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,058 (“Jneid”) and U.S. Pat. No. 3,925,915 (“Colli”) disclose a detachable shoe strap system where snap fasteners are affixed to the shoe base. The uppers, also having snap fasteners, would then attach to the shoe base by mating with the snap fasteners of the shoe base.

[0005] A disadvantage of both Jneid and Colli is that, after attaching the uppers, the snap fasteners are visible to the human eye upon visual inspection of the shoe. Another disadvantage to both Jneid and Colli is that the uppers, when attached, are not flush with the sides of the shoe base and, hence, protrude outwardly. The uppers can catch on rocks, walls, or doors, causing tears or damage the shoe. A further disadvantage of the prior art is that the snap fasteners protrude outwardly further than the surface of the uppers. This is because the snap fasteners typically comprise of multiple pieces that, when assembled, have a thickness greater than a thickness of the uppers. This problem is exacerbated when uppers are made of relatively thin materials.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,300,256 (“Laganas”) discloses a shoe design permitting the uppers, when attached, to be flush with the shoe base. However, nowhere does Laganas disclose, teach, or suggest detachable uppers. Therefore, a disadvantage to Laganas is that the shoe is not as interchangeable as a shoe having detachable uppers to accommodate a variety of appearances for varying occasions.

[0007] What is desired, therefore, is a shoe having removable uppers for accommodating a variety of appearances for varying occasions. What is also desired is a shoe having removable uppers that are flush with a side wall of the shoe base for preserving the appearance and structure of the shoe. What is further desired is an aesthetically pleasing removable fastener that attaches the uppers to the shoe base. What is still further desired is a fastener that, when assembled onto the uppers, has a reduced thickness to enhance the appearance of the shoe.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a shoe having at least one recess in its base for removably attaching uppers.

[0009] It is another object of the invention to provide a shoe having removable uppers that have a surface flush with a side wall of the shoe.

[0010] It is still another object of the invention to provide a shoe having a recess for masking the fasteners that removably attach the uppers to the shoe base.

[0011] Yet another object of the invention is to provide removably attachable fasteners for altering an appearance of the shoe.

[0012] Still another object of the invention is to provide a fastener that has a reduced thickness to enhance the appearance of the shoe.

[0013] These and other objects of the invention are achieved by provision of a shoe having removable uppers. The shoe further includes a shoe base for supporting a foot, uppers for securing the foot to said shoe base, a left side wall and a right side wall of the shoe base, a left recess in at least one localized area of the left side wall, a right recess in at least one localized area of the right side wall, and at least one securing mechanism attached to each of the left and right recesses, each securing mechanism for removably securing the uppers to the shoe base. The recesses permit the uppers to be attached while simultaneously masking the fasteners.

[0014] In some embodiments there is a plurality of recesses positioned along a side wall of the shoe base, whereby each recess is large enough to accommodate one securing mechanism. In other embodiments, each recess accommodates multiple securing mechanisms. The size and type of recess depends on the style or aesthetic appearance of the shoe.

[0015] The shoe may further include a surface of the uppers being, when placed in the left and right recesses and secured to the securing mechanisms, generally flush with the left and right side walls. The securing mechanism is also removably attached to both the right and left recesses.

[0016] Moreover, the shoe may further include a secondary recess in each of the left and right recesses for positioning a surface of the securing mechanism generally flush with a surface of said left recess. This desirably masks, or hides, the securing mechanism from view when the uppers are secured to the shoe base. This secondary recess may be a countersunk hole and may further include a pilot hole for positioning the securing mechanism.

[0017] To mate with the securing mechanism, thereby securing the uppers to the shoe base, the shoe further includes a receiving mechanism. The receiving mechanism is attached to the uppers and, in an effort to mask the receiving mechanism, the uppers may further include an outer layer covering an inner layer.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the shoe further includes a stud attached to and extending away from the receiving mechanism for mating with an ornamental mechanism. Both the receiving mechanism and ornamental mechanism have the same limitations, which may be the same limitations as the securing mechanism. In addition, the ornamental mechanism has decorative indicia thereon that is removably attachable to the stud.

[0019] In an alternative embodiment, to enhance appearance and mask the visibility of the receiving mechanism through the outer layer of the uppers, the fastener may be reduced in overall thickness. The fastener includes a securing mechanism and a receiving mechanism. The receiving mechanism includes a socket comprising a generally cylindrical apparatus and a concave surface, wherein the socket further includes a hole extending generally perpendicularly from the concave surface and along a length of the socket, and a studded eyelet. The studded eyelet has a stud in contact with a flange. The eyelet connects to the socket by piercing the stud through the object to be fastened, such as the uppers, and into the hole of the socket and compressing the eyelet and socket together. The object is thereafter secured between the flange and socket, whereby the flange conforms to the shape of the concave surface. The stud is subsequently peened, deformed, molded, broken off, fractured, bent, or severed after it is inserted into the hole.

[0020] The invention and its particular features and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description considered with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 depicts a shoe with interchangeable uppers in accordance with the invention.

[0022]FIG. 2 depicts a more detailed view of the shoe shown in FIG. 1.

[0023]FIG. 3 depicts a more detailed view of the shoe shown in FIG. 1.

[0024]FIG. 4 depicts a more detailed view of the shoe shown in FIG. 1.

[0025]FIG. 5 depicts a shoe base having recesses.

[0026]FIG. 6 depicts a top view of the shoe base with the uppers attached.

[0027]FIG. 7 depicts the shoe base having an indentation in the recess.

[0028]FIG. 8 depicts a top view of the shoe having an indentation in the recess.

[0029]FIG. 9 depicts uppers having apertures as receiving mechanisms.

[0030]FIG. 10 depicts the application of the aperture and securing mechanism.

[0031]FIG. 11 depicts the application of the aperture and securing mechanism.

[0032]FIG. 12 depicts another embodiment of the shoe having an ornamental mechanism attached to the outer surface of the uppers.

[0033]FIG. 13 depicts the attachment of the ornamental mechanism to the uppers.

[0034]FIG. 14 depicts a side view of the attachment of the ornamental mechanism to the uppers.

[0035]FIG. 15 depicts a fastener with a concave surface.

[0036]FIG. 16 depicts a side view of the fastener with the concave surface.

[0037]FIG. 17 depicts the fastener with the concave surface secured to the uppers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038]FIG. 1 depicts the shoe having a removable upper portion in accordance with the invention. Shoe 10 comprises a shoe base 14, upper portion 20, left recess 42 on a left side of shoe base 14, right recess 44 on a right side of shoe base 14, and securing mechanism 28.

[0039] Shoe 10 provides a removably attachable upper portion 20 that permits shoe 10 to be adaptable to a variety of occasions. The invention envisions using a single shoe base 14 with, applied one at a time, multiple upper portions of numerous geometries and colors that are each removably attachable to base 14. Therefore, shoe 10 is suitable to match a substantial amount of clothing worn by a user, such as clothing of varying colors for varying occasions ranging from formal to informal.

[0040] Moreover, in certain embodiments, shoe 10 is particularly suitable for traveling because a user brings a single base 14 and a plurality of upper portions 20, whereby the upper portions are generally lightweight and, when detached and packed for traveling, lie flat. Typically, base 14 is the heaviest part of shoe 10 and minimizing the amount of shoe bases while simultaneously permitting a broad range of colors and styles facilitates traveling, yet broadens versatility.

[0041] Shoe base 14 has a left side 16 and a right side 18. Left side 16 has a left recess 42 and right side has a right recess 44. Both recesses have the same limitations as each other and are for providing a recessed surface that masks, or hides, securing mechanism 28 when upper portion 20 is secured to base 14. This is more particularly depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, which show receiving mechanism 24 and securing mechanism 28 being hidden when upper portion 20 is secured to shoe base 14. Securing mechanism 28 is placed on left recess surface 46 and on right recess surface 48 for securing upper portion 20 to shoe base 14.

[0042] Both left and right recesses, 42 and 44, are located in at least one localized area of the left and right sides of the shoe base. In certain embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, both left and right recesses may be an area large enough to accommodate a plurality of securing mechanisms 28. In FIGS. 2 and 4, both left and right recesses can accommodate only one securing mechanism 28. The size of left and right recesses, 42 and 44, is not a limitation of the invention because it depends on the style and shape of upper portion 20. For example, in certain embodiments, a clog type shoe requires an upper portion comprising of a single, wide strap. The clog type shoe would, therefore, require a single, wide recess. In other embodiments, for shoes having upper portion 20 comprising of a plurality of straps, as in certain formal high heels, multiple narrow recesses that permit only one securing mechanism to be attached thereto is be used.

[0043] There is at least one securing mechanism 28 placed on left and right recess surfaces, 46 and 48. Securing mechanism 28 further includes a plurality of securing mechanisms. Securing mechanism 28 further comprises Velcro, hook and eye, adhesives, snap fasteners, buttons, and any other apparatus for attaching upper portion 20 to shoe base 14.

[0044] Upper portion 20 is defined to be any material for securing a foot to shoe base 14. Upper portion 20 comprises a single strap, a plurality of straps, a covering that substantially covers the foot below the ankles, and further comprises the term uppers, which is a term known in the art of shoes. Upper portion 20 is a single layer of material having receiving mechanism 24 for mating with and attaching to securing mechanism 28, thereby securing upper portion 20 to shoe base 14.

[0045] Both securing mechanism 28 and receiving mechanism 24 include all known or novel apparatuses for removably attaching upper portion 20 to base 14. Receiving mechanism 24 includes snap fasteners, hook and eye, buttons, apertures, Velcro, and adhesives. FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 depict receiving mechanism 24 as an aperture into which securing mechanism 28 is placed.

[0046] In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, upper portion 20 is positioned such that a surface 22 of the upper portion is generally, or approximately, flush with left side 16 and right side 18. For aesthetic purposes and to mask a juncture between securing mechanism 28 and receiving mechanism 22, securing mechanism 28 may be placed in an indentation 62, or notch, in both left and right recess surfaces, 46 and 48. In the case where securing mechanism 28 is a snap fastener, indentation 62 is a countersunk hole placed in the left and right recess surfaces 46 and 48 such that a surface 29 of securing mechanism 28, when securing mechanism 28 is placed within indentation 62, is generally flush with the recess surfaces, 46 and 48.

[0047] Shown in FIG. 1, but not required of shoe 10 to function properly, upper portion 20 further comprises an outer layer 64 on top of an inner layer 66 for masking the juncture between securing mechanism 28 and receiving mechanism 24, whereby receiving mechanism 24 is attached to inner layer 66. Outer layer 64 covers receiving mechanism 22 for providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Without the optional outer layer 64, shoe 10 properly functions as described herein when upper portion 20 consists of only inner layer 66.

[0048] In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 12, 13, and 14, shoe 10 further comprises stud 72 attached to receiving mechanism 24. Stud 72 includes all the limitations of securing mechanism for securing and mating with second receiving mechanism 74, which is a decorative item that is removably attached to stud 72. As an example, but not a limitation, of the use of shoe 10 of this embodiment, children may be interested in wearing shoe 10 having second receiving mechanism 74, which may have cartoon characters, graphical and/or textual indicia, or other decorative features provided thereon second receiving mechanism 74. Further, second receiving mechanism is removably attached to stud 72, thereby permitting children to trade, collect, or wear varying second receiving mechanisms.

[0049]FIGS. 15, 16, and 17 depict an embodiment of fastener 100. Fastener 100 comprises securing mechanism 28 and receiving mechanism 24, both of which include all the limitations as described above for removably mating with one another. Receiving mechanism 24 further includes socket 102 and eyelet 116. Socket 102 is in contact with a first side of upper portion 20. Socket 102 is generally a cylinder and having concave surface 104 on an end of the cylinder being in contact with upper portion 20. Socket 102 further comprises hole 106 extending generally perpendicularly from concave surface 104 and along a length of socket 102.

[0050] Eyelet 116 comprises stud 118 in contact with flange 120. Flange 120 is in contact with a second side, the opposite side, of upper portion 20. Stud 118 pierces through upper portion 20 and into hole 106 of socket 102. When eyelet 116 and socket 102 are compressed together, thereby securing upper portion 20 between flange 120 and socket 102, flange 120 conforms to a shape of concave surface 104.

[0051] This conformance desirably provides a generally flat and improved aesthetic appearance when eyelet 116 is assembled with and secured to socket 102. Typical fasteners result in a protrusion, when assembled, that bulges on the surface of the side of upper portion 20 where flange 120 is located. Fastener 100 minimizes this protrusion because flange 120 conforms to the shape of concave surface 104, whereby any protrusion would need to overcome the concavity of concave surface 104 in order to cause a protrusion on the flange side of upper portion 20. The result is a generally flat appearance of the flange side of upper portion 20.

[0052] Further, the conformance of flange 120 to concave surface 104 reduces an overall length, shown by dimension L, of fastener 100. This reduction in overall length improves aesthetic appearance. Moreover, the conformance reduces the visibility of the shape of receiving mechanism 24 through, when optionally included, outer layer 64. In order to secure flange 120 and socket 102 together, stud 118 is peened, deformed, molded, broken off, fractured, bent, or severed after it is inserted into hole 106

[0053] Although the invention has been described with reference to a particular arrangement of parts, features and the like, these are not intended to exhaust all possible arrangements or features, and indeed many other modifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill in the art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A shoe having a removable upper portion, comprising: a shoe base for supporting a foot; an upper portion of the shoe for securing the foot to said shoe base; said shoe base having a left side wall and a right side wall; said left side wall having a left recess in at least one localized area; said right side wall having a right recess in at least one localized area; and said left recess and said right recess each having at least one securing mechanism for removably securing said upper portion to said shoe base.
 2. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein a surface of said upper portion being, when placed in said left recess and said right recess and secured to said at least one securing mechanism, generally flush with said left side wall and said right side wall.
 3. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein said securing mechanism is removably attached to both said right and said left recesses.
 4. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein said left recess further comprises a left indentation for positioning a surface of said securing mechanism generally flush with a surface of said left recess.
 5. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein said right recess further comprises a right indentation for positioning a surface of said securing mechanism generally flush with a surface of said right recess.
 6. The shoe according to claim 5, wherein said right indentation is a countersunk hole.
 7. The shoe according to claim 5, wherein said right indentation further comprises a pilot hole for positioning said at least one securing mechanism.
 8. The shoe according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of left and right recesses in a plurality of localized areas.
 9. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein said upper portion further comprises a receiving mechanism for mating with said securing mechanism to secure said upper portion to said shoe base.
 10. The shoe according to claim 9, wherein said upper portion further comprises an outer layer and an inner layer, said outer layer covering said inner layer for masking said receiving mechanism.
 11. The shoe according to claim 9, wherein said receiving mechanism is an aperture.
 12. The shoe according to claim 9, wherein said receiving mechanism is a fastener.
 13. The shoe according to claim 9, wherein said shoe further comprises a stud attached to and extending away from said receiving mechanism for mating with an ornamental mechanism.
 14. The shoe according to claim 13, wherein said shoe further comprises a second receiving mechanism for mating with said stud.
 15. The shoe according to claim 14, wherein said second receiving mechanism is removably attachable.
 16. The shoe according to claim 14, wherein said second receiving mechanism further includes a decorative feature.
 17. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein said upper portion is a strap.
 18. A shoe having a removable upper portion, comprising: a shoe base for supporting a foot; an upper portion of the shoe for securing the foot to said shoe base; said shoe base having a left side wall and a right side wall; said left side wall having a left recess in at least one localized area; said right side wall having a right recess in at least one localized area; said left recess and said right recess each having at least one securing mechanism for removably securing said upper portion to said shoe base; and a surface of said upper portion being, when placed in said left recess and said right recess and secured to said at least one securing mechanism, generally flush with said left side wall and said right side wall.
 19. A fastener, comprising: a securing mechanism attached to a first object; a receiving mechanism attached to a second object for removably mating with said securing mechanism, thereby connecting said first and said second objects; said receiving mechanism including: a socket comprising a generally cylindrical apparatus and a concave surface, said concave surface attached to a first side of said second object; said socket further comprising a hole extending generally perpendicularly from said concave surface and along a length of said socket; a studded eyelet comprising a stud and a flange, said flange being attached to a second side of said second object and said stud piercing through said second object and into said hole of said socket; and said flange being conformed to a shape of said concave surface.
 20. The fastener according to claim 19, wherein said stud is moldable.
 21. The fastener according to claim 19, wherein said stud is severable. 